Spindelegger sharply criticizes religious acts of violence in Nigeria

Vienna, 27 December 2011 – Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger expressed his shock over the wave of religious violence in Nigeria, which culminated in an attack against a church near the Nigerian capital Abuja during the Christmas celebrations, killing more than thirty people. Spindelegger stressed the importance of respecting the lives of others as a founding principle of any human society, regardless of their respective philosophical and religious beliefs. "Such barbaric acts must no longer be tolerated anywhere in the world. These heinous crimes must be solved and may not go unpunished. Those responsible must be brought to justice“, stressed the Vice Chancellor, who also reminded of Austria’s engagement in international forums against impunity.

"I wish to extend my condolences to the relatives of the victims, but also my sympathy to all the people in Nigeria who wish for a life in peace", said Spindelegger, who pointed out that countless people in Nigeria had already fled their cities and villages for fear of violence.

Especially during Christmas, the celebration of hope, the people’s desire for peace becomes particularly manifest, emphasized the Foreign Minister, calling to mind that political problems require political solutions. "We must clearly condemn any extreme acts of violence“, Spindelegger concluded.